BRYANT POND — The University of Maine Early College Program, in partnership with UMaine Cooperative Extension, is to offer a three-credit course in outdoor leadership for high school students this summer.

KPE 265: Outdoor and Adventure Activities will run July 26 to Aug. 6 at the University of Maine 4-H Center at Bryant Pond. The course is tuition free for Maine public high school students. Non-Maine residents, along with private school and international students, receive a special reduced tuition rate of $138.25 per credit hour.

KPE 265 is an introductory course in outdoor and adventure activities forming the foundation of an outdoor leadership education. The class focuses primarily on participation in four activity categories: canoeing; bouldering and climbing; hiking and orienteering; and challenge course. It is taught by Ryder Scott, executive director of the University of Maine’s four 4-H Centers, and Tara Pocock, a 4-H professional at Bryant Pond 4-H Center.

The class meets from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a three-day overnight expedition at the end of the second week.

“We are really excited to get Early College Outdoor Leadership courses back up and running after taking a hiatus last year,” said Scott, according to a news release from UMaine. “We are seeking motivated high school students who love the outdoors to join us for this experience.”

Those who enroll in the Outdoor and Adventure Activities course may also choose to pursue the UMaine Early College Career Pathway in Outdoor Leadership. Outdoor leadership is one of 14 career pathways designed to introduce high school students to higher education and careers of interest. Early College Career Pathways allow students to explore career paths and get a head start on a university degree. Public high school students are eligible to earn up to 12 credits per year tuition free.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to contact Kari Suderley, UMaine Early College Program coordinator, at 207-581-8024, um.earlycollege@maine.edu or umaine.edu/earlycollege.